Ranunculus do like cooler temperatures. But they can't win much from Frost. They are therefore considered to be poorly hardy. Just hibernate them!
Ranunculus bulbs should be dug up before the first frost
The perfect quarters for overwintering the ranunculus bulbs
Not only ranunculus in the pot, but also those in the field should preferably be overwintered. Quarters for wintering can be a basement, garage, attic or other room. It is particularly important that:
- it cool
- Frost free
- dark
- airy
- and is dry.
Ideally, the temperature should be between 5 and 8 °C. Then the tubers are put into dormant mode. They do not sprout, but 'slumber' until they are awakened to new life in spring.
Period, preparation and aftercare
But when should the bulbous structures be quartered? It is best to watch the weather forecast. As soon as temperatures drop to around 5 °C during the day, it's high time to dig up the tubers. It would be best if you got the tubers out of the ground around mid-October. They should be hibernated until around March.
This is how the preparation for the wintering of the tuber looks like:
- stop fertilizing
- remove dead parts
- clean from soil residues
- Detach brood tubers
- Let the tuber dry
- wrap in paper if necessary
This is important after the tubers have overwintered:
- check for damage
- Soak in cool water for 5 hours
- Bury 3 to 4 cm deep in the ground
- only fertilize when the first leaves can be seen
tips
Ranunculus outdoors can stay outside in winter under a sheltered cover of brushwood or compost. But basically it is safer to overwinter the tubers in a frost-free place.